Thank you to all my readers...

Thank you for reading Dragonscale Clippings. I have enjoyed your feedback and encouragement this year. 


If you have recently contacted me, please don't be offended if I don't respond until the new year. I am slowly winding down for Christmas. I plan to take a complete break from all things technological in order to detoxify my brain!

Clippings will be back in the New Year so if you would like immediate updates whenever I post, (maximum 3 times a week) please follow me and enter your email address in the box on the right.

Before I disappear into hibernation mode to watch The Lord of the Rings, I would like to point you in the direction of Fiona Robyn's new novel. You can find Woodsmoke Press here and read all about her book The Most Beautiful Thing

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. 

Freya

Moment - 24

Letting go of what I've been holding onto. 

Feeling free, yet grounded. 

Knowing I will not be abandoned. 

That everything happens for an eternal reason.

Moment - 23

The robin joined me in the herb garden when I was weeding. He sat on the orange bucket making trilling, contented sounds without opening his beak, vibrating his throat. I realised he was talking to me...

Moment - 22

The satisfied feeling of another short story well-crafted, complete, typed and double-spaced; undiluted by rejection for now.

Moment - 21

Feeling the knife-edge cut as my newest short story is rejected because "it doesn't work". Pain deep inside and indignation. What do they mean, it doesn't work?!!

Moment - 20

Waking just after 3am and hearing the random taps of rain on the roof and window grow to a steady downpour that keeps me awake in the dark.

Moment - 19

Rewatching Christopher Bruce's Swansong; the seemingly effortless flow of movement, playful, sinister, yearning for freedom. Testosterone fuelled contemporary ballet.

The River...

Would you like a 2012 with more colour, more juice, more clarity, more deliciousness?

During January, Kaspa and Fiona Robyn from ‘Writing Our Way Home’ will be encouraging you to pay attention to one thing every day and write it down.

You don’t have to be a writer to take part. You just need to have three minutes spare a day, and a notebook or a blog, and the desire to slow down and fall in love with the world a day at a time.

Do jump here to find out more, and Kaspa and Fiona hope to see you in the river. Here’s how last year’s small-stoners found the experience:

“I have to tell you, readers, I have loved writing a small stone every day for the last 31 days. It’s the most glorious exercise in mindfulness, in pulling yourself into this moment, and if you haven’t tried it yet please give it a go, if only for a week.”
~Rachel Hawes, writer of small stones

“My father was recently put into Hospice care and dealing with the imminent loss and pain and joy of his journey has become sweeter for me because I am paying attention. That is no small thing.”
~Lisa Haight, writer of small stones

“…I keep finding that [writing a small stone] doesn’t eat up time or mental space; on the contrary, time stops and a new space is created.”
~Jean Morris, writer of small stones

“Writing small observations daily was like a spiritual experience for me. I felt happy, joyous and free. I looked forward to my daily meditation. As a result, I feel awakened and alive; and I am truly thankful.”
~Laurie Kolp, writer of small stones

 

Moment - 18

I am here

I am alive

I have breath in my body

I have a soul within

I am being

I am breathing

I live

I experience

I choose

I am me

Moment - 17

Snug inside while the wind rattles the tiles and rain pours continuously, slapping against the window pane. Drinking nettle tea, watching the weather.

Moment - 16

Rewatching Star Wars; like meeting old friends. Incredible how much one forgets. Caught up in the detail, in the characters' adventures, lost in another world...

Octobersong...

I sang a song of Autumn green

In late October frosts began,

The dew was harsh, the light was strong

The robin sang his piercing song...

This is the first verse of my poem Octobersong which has been printed in EOTE December 2011. If you would like to read the rest of it, please visit EOTE

You can also find Linda Turner's comments on the entire poem here

Moment - 15

Feeling of gratitude and delight at getting a second payrise this year despite the difficult economic climate. I feel needed and wanted.

Moment - 14

Waking up in the gloaming and realising we're on holiday for ten days. No work, no writing, no regular routine. Thrill of excitement, drifting back to sleep, feeling relaxed...

Moment - 13

Satisfaction of digging over a weed-infested flowerbed, seeing the crumbled soil mixed with homemade compost, knowing the bulbs are hidden for now, until the Spring warmth awakes them.

Moment - 12

Getting completely absorbed in my ballet routine; feeling the flow and the rhythm to elavated arabseques, forgetting my writing, working my body, relaxing my mind...

Clippings #3 Comments from Claudia Messelodi

Thanks so much for sending the Clippings issue. I enjoyed reading it very much!!! And I thank you also for publishing "Connecting with nature" in it. I feel really happy! I find the photograph you put at its side simply stunning, wonderful. 

 

I enjoyed the exerpt of the Ice Maiden's Tale; found it highly interesting and involving. I particularly appreciated the amazing description of the image of the "river" conveyed through the girl's mind's eye. Where can I find the whole tale? Would be very glad to read it all. 

 

Also Heather's poem is very lovely, as usual. It spoke a lot to me, I can share so much.

Moment - 11

Wondering why some people had the audacity to defend the rioters in August. No excuses. No mitigating circumstances. Send the army in!

Moment - 10

Absorbing the sun that hardly ever shines hot on this exposed hillside. Enjoying the heat and warmth of Summer merging with Autumn in mid-August.

Moment - 9

Flicker of annoyance as in the Summer, yet again, the neighbour plays his radio loudly in his garden. 

You don't do that kind of thing if you're country bred. 

He is deaf. He must be. He's been asked not to, but still does it.

Clippings #3 Comment from Jenny Poulter

Thanks for Clippings 3 - interesting excerpts as always!

I Capture The Castle by Dodie Smith

How I managed to go all these years without reading this book, I really don't know. 

Much as I loved reading Bridget Jones' Diary, (it made me laugh so much!), I Capture The Castle wins hands down for diaries penned by women. It is funny and tragic by turns, clean and yet full of sensuality and suggestion.

Set in the 1930s this is the story of a 17 year old living with her eccentric family in a crumbling castle in the middle of nowhere. It tells of her hopes and fears, her dreams, her loves and how she discovers who she is over the course of a year. 

What drew me to the novel was the opening sentence. "I write this sitting in the kitchen sink." I read to the end of the first paragraph and had to buy the book. This doesn't happen very often with me but I'm glad I did buy the book. It is one I will re-read many times.

Moment - 8

Finding peace in the garden, doing practical things; tying up canes, tidying things away, stilling the conversations in my head, being free just to be...

Moment - 7

Laughing in disbelief when 15 haiku were rejected by a haiku magazine on the grounds they were too traditional. 

Apparently English language haiku don't have to conform to the 5-7-5 syllabic structure. So, what's the point?!

Moment - 6

Back in the Summer; a sudden chirping of an invisible grasshopper. Looking everywhere as he rasps, to find him perched on my book!

Moment - 5

Neat pile of ironed clothes. Sense of satisfaction. Clean, dry, pressed washing. A chore well done.

Moment - 4

Seeing green globes of swelling fruit from a plant I've grown myself. Mixture of satisfaction and impatience; wanting the the fruit to ripen to red so I can taste it...

Moment - 3

Afterwards; wrapped in velvet darkness of remembered pleasure, the reassurance of mutual love and unbreakable trust.

Moment - 2

In amongst the busyness of catching up, a moment of stillness and quiet reflection; reading Claudia's poetry, refreshing my mind, delighting my spirit.

Moment - 1

Utter stillness and quiet as I rest from writing. A peacefulness invades me as energising as inspiration. 

I wait. 

I receive. 

I take in, in order to give out.

Touch - 27

The soft damp feel of

autumn rain upon my face

not yet cold-damp 

but the wind blowing from the south-west

hints of winter approaching

Touch - 26

Wind hassled

rain beaten

autumn pounds at me

even indoors

stinging rain

chilling breath

the year decays

Touch - 25

October sun hotter than Midsummer heat

bearing down, awakening plants

quickening soil

giving me energy as the year

darkens

Clippings #3

The third issue of my newsletter is now available to view.

If you would like to read it, please send an email with Subscribe Clippings in the subject line to  H2M


It's only 4 pages long and contains an excerpt from one of my wintry, romantic tales as well as photography by Mick Turner and poetry from Heather Connelly and Claudia Messelodi. 


Let me know what you think!

Nanowrimo 2011

Well, it was an experience!

A big thank you to everyone who encouraged and supported me, particularly my long-suffering partner!

I'm not sure I'd bother with it again though. I mean, I know I can write 50k words in a month without having a deadline. I thought there would be more interaction between writers but it's actually a very isolationist website. 

The thing that made me laugh was the amount of pep talks that were emailed to me. These were really lengthy monologues on how difficult it is to write (is it?) and how to overcome writer's block (what's that?) I skipped most of them. I was trying to write 50k words; I didn't have time to read pages of other people's opinions!

November is a really bad time for me to be committing to do lots of things. It's my busiest month of the year so I think I'll just put it down to experience. 

The novel, though completely unplanned, went really well. Loads of other things came out in addition to writing about how I cope with my partner who suffers from depression. It was very cathartic and releasing. I will leave the first draft for a few months and then look at it; I'll have forgotten what I've written by then and come to it fresh. 

Meantime, I'm really looking forward to January 2012 A River Of Stones. I love the WOWH community; people know how to encourage you there!

Touch - 24

The soft feel of tumble-dried towels;

all fluffed-up and huggable!

Touch - 23

The firm feel of the crust

beneath my fingers

as the knife cuts through 

into soft, springy bread flesh

Touch - 22

The slightly giving sensation

of something round and mobile

beneath my slipper feet.

Is it a spider?!

No

It is a small green tomato

that rolled off the window sill.

Touch - 21

Spiked stems of Greek alcanet 

look so soft and furry

but really are

quite vicious!

Touch - 19

Tickling fronds of fine fennel leaves

brush my neck in a friendly

teasing fashion

sudden sharp needle-pricks

of rose stab through my jacket

into my back

Touch - 20

Rough skin on my first finger joint

I keep touching it

the skin is broken

worn by aggressive gardening

and in the split, dirt lingers

seeping into my skin

A Handful of Small Stones...

I'm so pleased! A Handful of Small Stones has published one of my stones!

If you would like to read it, click here and scroll down until you find 17th November!

Touch - 18

Warm lips pressed against mine

urgent

passionate

conveying his need of me

Touch - 17

Thin cold leaves of green

sharply pointed

leaning towards the light.

Catch the leaf awkwardly

as I pull it up - ouch!

Fine cut

like a paper cut

on my palms.

Touch - 16

Smooth petals like living silk

top a smooth stalk impregnated

with fine thorns 

that bury themselves

in my flesh

like tiny needles

shedding 

blood

Ideas for Christmas...

If you're a bit stuck on what to buy your friends and family for Christmas, or even stuck for ideas for yourself, here are my recommendations: -

A Year of Questions by Fiona Robyn 

It really does help you slow down and fall in love with life again. I really don't rate self-help books because they never help me. This one did. Even if you're not a writer, buy it! It really makes you think and find space once again.  

A Year Of Questions

Pay Attention: A River of Stones

Back in January a whole group of us across the world joined together at A River Of Stones website to write a "small stone" every day. This anthology is a selection of the stones written during that month. (Mine is at the top of page 42!) A refreshing, relaxing and thought-provoking collection of bite sized poems and observations. Ideal for busy people or for those who can't concentrate for long. 

Pay Attention 

Collecting Cobwebs, Gathering Brambles by Elizabeth Leaper and Jack Williamson

My friend Libby has had an anthology of poetry published! This volume contains both her own and her late uncle's poetry. An absolute must for poetry lovers. 

Collecting Cobwebs 

Better Off Dead by Matt Rowe

Only recently released, this is a book that will get the teenagers in your life reading again. Actually, it'll get everyone in your life reading again so long as they've got a sense of humour! 

Better Off Dead

Dragonscale Leggings by Freya Pickard

Yes, I'm recommending my own work! If you need to escape from the dire deeds of politicians and faceless corporations, this is the perfect portal for you. If you're seriously depressed or even just feeling a bit down, then laughter is what you need - you'll find it in my tale of a strong heroine who (just about) overcomes against all odds. 

Dragonscale Leggings 

Essellecrafts

An amazing website for those finishing touches for all your gifts throughout the year. I think they only sell in the UK though. Everything is handcrafted in the UK - order your boxes soon!

Esselle

Touch - 15

Fine moisture beading my skin and hair;

cool touch to its delicate fingers, 

morning mist on an autumnal day.

Touch - 14

Smooth-skinned red fruit, 

large plumpness filling

my small hand; 

warm from the greenhouse

slightly giving skin;

ripe, plucked tomato.

Nanowrimo - Halfway there

Thank you so much to everyone who's provided encouragement and advice. I really appreciate it! 

Halfway through the Nanowrimo Challenge and so far I've written only 19,767 words. I'm pleased with my progress seeing as most of this was written yesterday and today!

Touch - 13

The silky, clean feel

of new underwear;

unfaded, smooth

making me feel

desirable...

Touch - 12

The dry, crumbly soil giving

way to my insistent

fingers allowing me 

to reap a harvest

of orange

carrots

Touch - 11

Softness of short, cropped hair;

it looks spiky and sharp

but feels almost 

velvety.

Touch - 10

Soft, firm pastry;

coalescing into a flour-butter dough,

smooth coolness

as I roll it out thinly

to make crisp, crumbling covering

for egg and bacon pie. 

Touch - 9

The firm, curved shape

of ripe fruit

red plumpness falling into my hand

as I gently twist the tomato

to release it from the stem;

firmness

slightly warm from the heat

of the greenhouse. 

Touch - 8

The silky feel of crumbled compost

sieved free of twigs and leaf

fresh scented

dark and mysterious

it runs through my fingers

like soft sand. 

Touch - 6

The sun's heat

on my skin

caressing, relaxing

yet invigorating; 

opens the pores

strengthens my bones

fills my heart with

thankfulness.

Review: Out of the Silent Planet by C S Lewis

Out of the Silent Planet by C.S. Lewis


My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I started re-reading Out of the Silent Planet last month as I felt the need for refreshment rather than challenge...





It was delightful to re-engage with Lewis' spectucular approach to space travel. I love the sensation of light in this novel and the beautiful descriptions of the planet that the hero is forcibily removed to.





I know that some people have told me that they have struggled with the images on "Mars" but for me it is always refreshing and renewing to read Lewis' prose. I also enjoyed his discussions on arch-types throughout the universe.





If you enjoy space travel and discovering new worlds, this is one to try!





View all my reviews

Touch - 7

The harsh feel of the carpet

against my bare feet;

Summer is here

and the carpet needs cleaning. 

EOTE - Masks & Mirrors!

EOTE is the 'zine that publishes some of my poetry. They have recently posted that they're looking for submissions for their April issue in 2012. The theme is Masks & Mirrors and you can find more details here

Touch - 5

The cool breeze

stirring the hairs on back of my neck

like cold fingers

just caressing my skin.

Touch - 4

The gentle rap of rain

on my waterproofs

drumming rhythmically on my hood

like a drum-beat

accompanying my swift walk

past the windmill.

Touch - 3

Golden breakers

crashing

on the shores of my body

uplifting, delighting

taking my breath away.

Touch - 2

The firm, pliable texture

of elastic-like dough;

combined flour and oil

seasoned with yeast, salt and sugar

drawn together by hand

responsive

alive to my touch.

Touch - 1

The feel of soft tomato leaves

trailing over my skin

as I weave through the greenhouse jungle;

gone now 

with the fleeting summer.

Nanowrimo!

For the first time ever I'm participating in Nanowrimo! 

Between 1st and 30th November I will try and write 50,000 words of a brand, new novel.

It's a bit daunting. I mean, I've written a novel in a month before but only because it flowed easily and I had it all planned out. I never intended to write it so quickly. 

This time it's a new subject and I only have a very loose plan. 

What inspired me to do this was taking part in both River of Stones challenges this year. I can write a short piece each day. So I know I can write more... I hope! 

If you'd like to see what I'm writing, please feel free to visit nanowrimo

Smile - 30

What would you think of the person who sent this auto reply to your email?

Thank you very much for your email. I'm out in the garden talking to
faeries right now. When I've found my way back to the house I will
send you a reply...


I've had this on my auto reply for 2 months now and no-one's commented on it at all. Perhaps people don't read auto replies?!

Smile - 29

Partner - There's mud in the dining room. How did that get there?
Me - The faeries put it there. 
Partner - Faeries my ****!

Smile - 28

My boss walked into reception today and announced he needed to get into the petty cash box. 

I told him I didn't think he'd fit. 

Smile - 27

Partner - Your brain works in a very strange way. 
Me - At least you admit I have a brain that works!

Smile - 26

Apparently we all have a fascination for predators. 

I am fascinated by the tax man. 

Does that make the tax man a predator?

Smile - 25

After watching a trailer for a series about people visiting dangerous places, my partner turned to me and asked: -

"Why do people decide to go to the most dangerous places on the planet? I can't even manage to get to Surrey!"

Hacked Off With Halloween?

If you're feeling hacked off with all this Halloween hype, why not treat yourself to something different?

Matt Rowe's novel "Better Off Dead" is due for release on 31st October 2011! 

To find out more about the book click here and select My Works


To buy the book, click here

Don't let Halloween get you down - have a laugh instead!

The Hunt For Tony Blair

I really enjoyed this film and was perplexed as to why the media slammed it. 

My short review can be found  here

Smile - 24

We went for a walk around the estates at Sissinghurst to enjoy the fresh air. 

But all we could smell were the scents of air freshener and toilet cleaner on the people who passed us. 

Smile - 23

Overheard at the end of a party; 

Female guest to male host - Thank you so much for having me. 

Host - But I haven't had you, yet. 

Smile - 22

The following week my boss came back from the pub before 2.30pm. 
So I asked him if the beer was off. 

Smile - 21

Me - I'm going shopping for a new bra today. 
Partner - Do you need one then?

Smile - 20

My boss returns from lunch early (2.30pm) one Friday. 
I ask him, "Did the pubs close early today?"

Comments on Dragonscale Clippings #2 from Claudia Messelodi

Thank you very much for sending the last issue of Clippings. I really enjoyed reading it! 

I liked the excerpt from The Romance, found it very funny and intriguing..would really love to know how it goes on..:))

Linda's poem is amazing, it spoke to me so much. In my opinion the metaphor/image of the tree-tears is stunning (not only students figures are like tree-tears, but also the words of the poet). Through it is conveyed to me the tight relationship between Art and Nature (which consists both of natural elements and human beings).

Comments on Dragonscale Clippings #2 from Enerico

Now I am not a reader as you know but....

OMG the poem is depressing!

Now that is not a bad thing because it forced me to read the observations which made me smile.

Then I took to the main text and it was totally captivating even for me. Well done you!

# 2 - Why I chose...

Putting together my newsletter is as much an art form as writing a story or a novel. 

So, why did I choose an excerpt from The Romance, Linda Turner's Classroom Sonnet and Anne Baksteen's photograph of Big Ben?


The excerpt from The Romance was intended to make people smile (as were the blogs) to balance the overwhelming feeling of sadness and loss in the Classroom Sonnet. 

I find Sonnets very difficult to write and admire Linda's talent and wordsmithying. I liked the sense of loss and sadness and felt that Anne's photography linked tenuously with Linda's words. In her picture I saw old and new architecture that blended together harmoniously. 


Thank you to everyone who's got back to me already with feedback - I will be publishing it over the next few weeks! If you haven't yet let me know what you think, I would love to hear from you!

And if you would like to read #2 of Dragonscale Clippings, please email me at Freya
with Subscribe Clippings in the subject line. 

Stay creative!

Freya 

Smile - 19

Boss - Tea is my blood. I need to drink a lot of it. 
Me - I thought your blood came out of a wine bottle. 

Smile - 18

Wind farm; 

futuristic factory

where people with 

excess flatulence

energise the nation.

Smile - 17

I wondered how dogs managed to stick their heads out of a moving car window and pant, without their mouths becoming dry and losing their ability to bark. 

My partner asked if I'd like to try it. 

Smile - 16

I don't understand why vegetarians get so up tight about people eating meat which is dead and cooked. 

They eat vegetables that are still alive!

Smile - 15

My first encounter with a driving range on a golf course.

Oh! What are all those yellow flowers? There are so many of them. Oh, they're golf balls...

Dragonscale Clippings #2

At bit late I know, but here at last, is the September issue of Dragonscale Clippings. 

In #2 I give you a sneak preview of The Romance and introduce you to a poet and a photographer. 

Linda Turner is an amazing writer and I've included her Classroom Sonnet as it ties in with the theme of autumn. 


Anne Baksteen has recently had a photograph published by EOTE and I am really pleased to be able to display more of her talent in her Big Ben photograph. 


If you would like to recieve Dragonscale Clippings please email me at  Freya  to request the link. 


Let me know what you think of #2!

Featured Twice on WOWH!

Guess what?

I was featured twice on WOWH blog in September! 


The two blogs that featured can be read here

and  here

And if you want to find out what WOWH is all about, why not visit them  here

Smile - 14.5

I'm not a pessimist. 
I'm optimistically pessimistic. 

Smile - 14

Knole Golf Course
I like the way they put sand pits at regular intervals so the children have somewhere safe to be while the adults play golf. 

Smile - 13

Me - Oh! A fly's just flown down my cleavage. 
Partner - It must have been a very small fly then. 

Smile - 12

After telling my partner about my dreams the night before I said, 

"My brain is weird."
"It is indeed," he affirmed fervrently.

Smile - 11

Partner - I hate being wrong. I hate it when you're right. 
Me - Why?
Partner - Because you're a woman and women aren't supposed to get things right as much as you do!

I took this as a compliment. 

Smile - 10

Partner - It's amazing what a difference wheels make to a car. 
Me - Yes. Without them a car wouldn't go anywhere. 

Smile - 9

My partner got this email from his mate: -

"I've just emailed your wife and received an auto reply saying 'Piss off, I'm on holiday!'"

Smile - 8

Thank goodness I'm NOT a mum. 
That means I don't have to shop at Iceland. 

Smile - 7

The boss walks in late after a drinking session the night before. 

Employee 1 - He made it in then. 
Employee 2 - I think he's still drunk. 
Employee 1 - Really? I thought that state was normal for him. 

Smile - 6

When asked by a colleague how I was, I was truthful and told him I'd been ill with a stomach bug. His reply was: 
"Sorry to hear you've been ill. Hope it's all passed. Ha! Ha!"

Feedback - Clippings June 2011 - from Linda Turner

Clippings
I always love Dragonscale as you know!

Book Two of the Future
Once again, a wonderful witty extract, the tone matching the dialogue perfectly. This is tantalisingly intriguing. I do think Tanek sounds quite hunky too. 

The Wilting June by Heather Connelly
So many lovely and wistful analogies. A leaving with the early blooms. I have no knowledge of flowers, I'm afraid, and always thought they bloomed in June, so this seems an alternative, upside down world where sadness comes at what should be a hopeful time of year. I enjoyed this. I especially like the fleeting glimpses of past joys and colours of them that make their loss all the more poignant along with the lonely sorrow of the leaving itself. 

Why I Write Small Stones

I don't think my stones are technically true small stones. 

The way I write is peculiar. When I write a novel I am both detached and involved, but I am living my characters' lives as I write. 

So, for me, writing a small stone is not only a way of connecting with the world, but also a way of connecting with myself again. I have to find out how I feel and remind myself to be me. 

That's why I think my small stones are not detached enough to be true small stones. 

However, the practice has enabled me to stay sane whilst in the throes of creativity and give me a modicum of space whilst writing novels. (It becomes very exhausting hearing 3 or 4 different voices in one's head at once) 

Also, I think that small stones help improve my haiku writing.

Smile - 5

Me - Is there a reason you left the TV on?

Partner - Yes, I didn't turn it off. 

Smile - 4

Colleague 1 - Would you like a cup of tea?

Colleague 2 - No thanks. The boss has just made me one. 

Colleague 3 - And that's put him off for life!

Smile - 3

Me - Have you heard the latest guidelines about cleaning your teeth?

Boss - No. 

Me - Apparently you should now clean your teeth twice a day for two minutes with toothpaste.

Boss - Do you think three times a day with gin counts?

Smile - 2

My partner, whilst working on Clippings for me, asks - I did ask you if there were anymore blogs to be included on this page. 

Me - Did you?

Him - Yes!

Me - What, when I was in the room or down in the kitchen making tea?

Smile - 1

It's not what you drive, it's how you drive that intimidates people.

Virtual Fruit Cake

That's not implying I am one...

I'd like to share some virtual fruit cake with you. I made a large fruit cake for the week my partner and I took off recently. We didn't go away. We made furniture for the office, bought things we needed and I also did a lot of gardening. 

We were both tired. We needed to do something crative which tied in with practical things that needed to be done around the house. We ate small slices of my fruit cake for tea in the afternoons, drinking herbal tea with it; chamomile, blackcurrant or fennel. We listened to more music. We hardly watched any TV. Instead we re-watched the original Star Wars films in the evenings. 

The fruit cake was succulent and firm but it wasn't heavy at all. There were great chunks of dried fruit in it; fig, date, apricot, pear, apple. The texture was firm yet yielding. The taste was fruity-sweet, not too sweet. It was a treat. It gave us energy when we'd been working hard  physically all day. 

During the week I didn't write any haiku and only a few stones. I stopped thinking about trying to make money out of my writing. I stopped trying to decide what to write next; should I re-write my romace, should I write my planned novel about depression, should I work on my fantasy series or write the final futuristic tale, or should I write more poems and short stories to sell to magazines? 

I rested my mind. I enjoyed gardening. I made tomato soup from my homegrown tomatoes. I read three books; "Pay Attention - A River of Stones", " A Year of Questions" by Fiona Robyn and "Soulforge" by Margaret Weis. I stopped feeling tired. I stopped worrying. I enjoyed being.

Now I'm back in routine and I know where I'm going. I'm working on short stories because they're alive to me at the moment. And in November I'm going to participate in Nanowrimo for the first time ever in order to start my novel about living with depression. 

I love being focused!

Element - 30

Wind;

keen breeze in sunlit air

chilling my skin

awakening my brain. 

Element - 29

Storm;

being allowed outside

to see and feel the lightning dance

and to jump at the sound 

of chariot wheels 

churning overhead!

Element - 28

Storm;

anvil cloud

and a fierce sun 

out of a solid-blue sky. 

Burning heat,

stifling air,

even the breeze is warm.

Scent of rain

out of the west.

Element - 27

Sun;

fiercely caressing, relaxing

my skin, muscles

and mind.

Element - 26

Mist;

light-fingered moistness chilling my skin,

white veil dropping before my eyes. 

Where is the sun?

Something I've learnt recently...

Writing morning pages is like cooking with leeks. 

If you spend time preparing them and get all the gritty bits out before you start cooking leeks, it makes life so much easier. I've found the same with writing morning pages. 

If I get myself out of the way first thing, I can concentrate so much better on everything else during the day. It's as if all the stuff that usually whizzes round in my head, distracting me, gets poured out on the page. It doesn't solve any problems, but it does help me to concentrate on what really needs to be done. 

So thank you Fiona for inspiring me to come back to the habit of morning pages in both Lorrie's Story and A Year of Questions! 

The Butterfly Tree

My short story, The Butterfly Tree has been published online by The Absent Willow Review!

If you would like to read it, click here

Let me know what you think!

Element - 25

Rain;

seeping, pouring all night

lingering into the morning

fine mist hanging over wood and field

concealing sky

moistening my skin

Element - 24

Cloud; 

pastel white

blurred at the edges

on sky-blue paper

looks unreal

Element - 23

Sky; 

blue so bright

only glimpsed briefly

between shrouding clouds

of grey

Element - 22

Wind;

gusting, grabbing

coolness diffusing the sun's heat

wreaking havoc 

on trees and fields

Element - 21

Rain; 

violent showers and gusting winds

soaking, drenching, trickling

off stone and earth

liquid life falling

from turbulent skies

Element - 20

Rain;

monotonous tap on plastic roof, 

dreary, irritating rhythm, 

much-needed water.

Element - 19

Earth; 

is moisture, fertile & rich

dark soil supporting tomato & pepper plants

nourishing, giving life.

Element - 18

Rain;

fine shower suddenly falling

from high clouds

Element - 17

Sun;

heavy with heat,

liquid gold in the air

benign, sovereign, joy-bringer, life-giver,

light.

Element - 16

Cloud;

low & drifting

conccealing the far horizon

closing in

making an island of the hilltop

saturating air and earth

with welcome moisture.

Element - 15

Rain; 
backed by a flurry of windiness
cool drops fall heavily
soaking concrete and earth.

Element - 14

Thunder; 
squeezing the air out of my lungs, 
lays his oppressive hand upon me, 
deafening me with his sudden roar.

Element - 13

Air;
heavy with the threat of rain
of moisture lingering in the atmosphere - 
warmth, life, hope.

Element - 12

Cloud;
grey looms, threatens
casts sporadic showers
but here no rain falls.

Element - 11

Earth;
damp, holding water,
saturated after long, drenching rainfall.

Element - 10

Stone; jarring, inflexible, strong yet cracks weaken it. Natural bone of the earth, shaped by man to defy God.

Element - 9

Cloud; grey-wetness moisting the air, cool droplets clinging together, darkening the light.

Element - 8

Rain; spitter spatters on the greenhouse roof, flat drops of transparent moisture, pearl-like against the grey sky.

Element - 7

FireBreath; heat of the sun carried in the wind, burning from the south, holding dryness in the air. Summer heat with Autumn gales, a hot vortex of blue and gold.

Element - 6

Earth; dry, dusty, hanging onto every atom of moisture it can so the plant life it nourishes will survive.

Element - 5

Moon; new and slender piercing the night. Full and heavy, taking her time to rise and set.

Element - 4

Sun; glorious harbinger of perfection - heat, light, growth. On the sun you can depend to rise, to fill the world with light and heat. Dangerous, yet vital.

Element - 3

Wind; gusting tugging, playing, shoving, jagged dances with leaves and branches. Strong, irrestible, unseen.

Element - 2

Cloud; droplets of water congregate, make the air grey, mist sight, conceal all behind an impenetrable curtain.

Element - 1

Fire; burning, devouring, hungry heat. Vital source at my core, essential heat and light. Always changing, dancing, moving, flickering colours. Both death and life.

Gone In Search of Inspiration...

Well, not exactly, but I thought it was a good title for today's blog! 

I know I can't search for inspiration. It's like the elusive phoenix and unicorn. You can't find them. You have to wait for them to find you. (The unicorn used to visit me under the spreading chestnut tree. But now the chestnut tree has died, will the unicorn return?)

Am I mad? Possibly! I hear voices in my head. That's a sign of madness, isn't it? Or is it inspiration?

What I'm trying to say in a not very succinct way (that was really bad English!) is that I'm taking time out once again to make myself available for inspiration to come to me. 

I've really struggled to write this month; my Nan's death affected me in ways I hadn't considered. So it's time to pause and be and hopefully come back bursting with ideas next month. 

So please forgive me if I don't answer your email, tweet, facebook message, phonecall, letter, text... I will get back to you eventually. 

May you find your inspiration in unlikely places. 

Freya

Emotion - 31

Happiness; a fleeting moment of pure joy, not to be hung onto but remembered with pleasure.

Emotion - 30

Tiredness; trying to relax. Too tense. Too tired. Too weary to even think...

Emotion - 29

Harmony; teasing, laughing, joking, serious, loving... We merge and swirl together, comfortable with each other.

Emotion - 28

Friction; an imbalance of emotion. We both think we're right. We disagree. Knife-sharp edge between us. Turmoil inside. Not too proud to say sorry.

Emotion -27

Languorous; heat, sun, pebbles and sea, gently walking, resting....

Emotion - 26

Remote; feeling out of it still, disconnected, hanging free. Floating. Can't focus. Trying to rest. Stop the thoughts congregating in my brain.

Emotion - 25

Stupor; relief from stress and ongoing routine, feeling out of sync, out of touch, numb with realisation - I haven't GOT to do anything!

Dragonscale Clippings: EOTE - August 2011 - Editor's Reasons

Dragonscale Clippings: EOTE - August 2011 - Editor's Reasons

EOTE - August 2011 - Editor's Reasons

This is an interesting posting at EOTE

Emotion - 24

Weariness; on the edge of collapse, functioning as an automaton, trying to get to the point of holiday starting and then...

Emotion - 23

Exhaustion; brain numb, thoughts jumping up and down, so much not yet done, muscles ache, just want to sleep...

Emotion - 22

Excitement; barely contained speech, a need to get the words out so quickly I don't make sense. Positive, warm feelings.

Emotion - 21

Delight; a poem published, beautifully presented in a professional magazine!

Emotion - 20

Tranquillity; composure and assurance in the face of adversity and challenging, changing circumstances.

Emotion - 19

Tired; drawing heaviness dragging me down. Eyes closing, brain a blur. All I want to do is sleep...

Ends of the Earth August 2011 - Now Available!

The August issue of Ends of the Earth is now available online! 

In this issue the photographer Jonathon B Hoyt is featured along with other photographers such as Anne Baksteen and Mick Turner. Anna Brock introduces us to artist and poet, Heather Connelly and there is also a beautiful poem by Claudia Messelodi. And yes, there is a small item from yours truly!

You can access the link here

In order to receive your own personalised link whenever EOTE is published, please send an email to H2M with EOTE in the subject line. 

Read and enjoy!

Emotion - 18

Relief; feeling drained and washed out but positive now.

Emotion - 17

Annoyance; why won't people buy my book? What is wrong with them? Feeling hot and spiky but not quite cross.

Emotion - 16

Nervous tension; too long a time feeling stressed. Relaxing and now feeling terrible; aches, pressure. Coping with a stressful lifestyle.

Emotion - 15

Boredom; apathetic disposure, can't be bothered, can't engage, nothing quickens my interest.

Emotion - 14

Placidity; transplanting marigolds and beans, tending tomato plants, sowing herbs while thunder builds.

Emotion - 13

Concern; feeling unsettled over their news, wanting to help, to make things better for them.

Emotion - 12

Uninspired; flat and grey kind of feeling. Have energy but no ideas, no flow.

Emotion - 11

Laughter; bubbling up and overflowing, genuine amusement in everyday activity.

Emotion - 10

Peace; something that comes from within despite adverse circumstances. Ask for it. It is a gift.

Ken Rockwell has been Paying Attention for Decades

For those of us who enjoy Paying Attention this posting is a must. 

Although it's written from a photographer's point of view, what he says, also applies to serious writers. Don't be put off by his initial discussion of cameras. Keeping reading and about halfway down the page you'll reach the bit about paying attention; keep on reading, it's interesting!


Read and enjoy!

 Ken Rockwell

Review of Dragonscale Leggings by Linda Turner

I have rarely bought a book that entertained me so much as did this one. The characters are delightful, and even the villains are funny. Not so much amusing as laugh-aloud, tummy-hurting hilarious. 

But the humour is merely the icing on a superb Fantasy story cupcake that the reader regrets having to finish. 

Freya Pickard is an adept of the genre and whilst her writing is richly vibrant, her plots intricately woven, her narratives are always immediately accessible to any kind of reader. Easy to get into, hard to put down. A most enjoyable read.

Emotion - 9

On the edge; slipping between peacefulness and anxiety. Wanting to be peaceful, erring towards worry.

Emotion - 8

Happiness; not something that can be held onto, but something that arrives at unexpected moments such as planting out young lettuces.

Emotion - 7

Unwinding; releasing tension I didn't know I had. Tiredness hampers me as I let go and release chattering thoughts, feeling my muscles relax.